According to research conducted by McKinsey, 60 percent of American consumers are willing to choose pricier products as long as they have sustainable packaging.¹
Many consumers today, especially the younger generations, are demanding eco-friendly products. They prefer businesses who manufacture with sustainability in mind.
As a manufacturing leader, how can you commit to long-term sustainable practices while still ensuring the profitability of your organization? Consider adopting the hottest sustainable manufacturing trends featured in this article.
Sustainability in Manufacturing
Sustainability refers to the adoption of practices and processes that minimize negative environmental impacts. It is considered to be a social responsibility for companies, especially those in the manufacturing industry.
A commitment to sustainability often involves fundamental changes in how products are designed. This also leads to significant differences in how items are produced and distributed within the market. Companies who are dedicated to choosing sustainable options usually have a wide range of strategies aimed at reducing waste and conserving finite resources.
Aside from contributing to a better environmental future, sustainability comes with numerous advantages, many of which can directly support your business’ overall success. Some examples are:
Significant Cost Savings
When your organization actively chooses sustainable practices, it’s more likely to witness a reduction in operational costs. This is driven by decisions related to waste reduction and resource conservation. The usage of energy-efficient tools can also lower your utility bills and the general costs needed to maintain production.
Enhanced Reputation and Branding
Sustainability initiatives in today’s market can boost your business’ brand image. Research shows that 66 percent of global consumers are prepared to shell out more money for products made using sustainable practices.² This suggests that prioritizing sustainability in your company can lead to increased positive branding that can generate more business.
Improved Candidate Appeal
Aside from gaining loyal customers, maintaining corporate sustainability can attract potential employees. In a March 2023 survey conducted by Deloitte Consumer Center, 69 percent of employed adults wanted their companies to invest in sustainability efforts.³ Meanwhile, almost 30 percent of candidates said they would consider how sustainable an organization was before accepting their job offer. These statistics highlight the growing significance of environmental responsibility in shaping your employer brand and appeal.
Read more: Accelerating Time-to-Fill: How CJB Redefines Recruitment Speed
8 Hottest Sustainable Manufacturing Trends
Prioritizing sustainable manufacturing industry practices can help position your business for long-term success. It can help both consumers and professionals differentiate you from your competitors.
It’s undeniable that the future involves sustainable manufacturing. The question now is, how can you make sure your business doesn’t get left behind? To make sure your company can keep up with the constant changes in the market, Masis Staffing compiled these 8 hottest manufacturing trends you should become aware of:
1. Green Technologies
This trend encompasses a wide range of tools and initiatives meant to reduce environmental harm and resource consumption. It includes a range of commitments, from creating advanced recycling systems to actively choosing biodegradable materials.
Despite the word technologies, this trend focuses on more than just equipment. It revolves around the use of science and technology to develop eco-friendly manufacturing processes. One example of this sustainable manufacturing trend is integrating renewable energy sources like solar power directly into manufacturing lines and facilities.
2. Digital Twins and Simulations
As the name suggests, this trend creates virtual replicas of physical products and processes. It’s used to simulate real-world operations to allow professionals to test and optimize without wasting valuable resources.
By using digital twins, manufacturers can identify inefficiencies and defects without needing to produce the physical product. This leads to reduced waste and energy consumption. It also ensures high-quality product once actual production begins.
3. Additive Manufacturing
More famously known as 3D printing, this trend is transforming sustainable manufacturing practices one product at a time. It builds items layer by layer, ensuring that only the necessary amount of material is being used. Even with complex geometries and structure, additive manufacturing allows professionals to cost-effectively produce a product on-demand.
This specific strategy for sustainable manufacturing requires less resources compared to traditional manufacturing methods. It gives professionals the chance to use more sustainable materials like recycled or biodegradable compounds. Moreover, it supports product design customization and repair, which can extend your product’s lifespan.
4. Robotics and Automation
With the constant innovations in technology, it’s important to learn how to leverage emerging tools and equipment. Take robotics and automation as examples. Their integration into the manufacturing sector have provided businesses with enhanced sustainability and efficiency.
Advanced robots and systems driven by artificial intelligence can perform tasks with higher precision than human employees. They offer consistency and reduce mistakes, preventing materials from being wasted.
Read more: Digital Transformation in Manufacturing and Overcoming Resistance to Change
5. Green Chemistry and Materials
This specific sustainable manufacturing trend represents a fundamental shift in what products are made from. It focuses on discovering and manufacturing safe chemical substitutes for hazardous solvents needed in production.
For example, your company may decide to shift to plant-based plastics instead of those made from synthetic polymers. This can help reduce the negative environmental impact caused by your operations.
6. Circular Economy Practices
This trendy approach to manufacturing aims to keep resources in use for as long as possible. Its main goal is to extract the maximum value of materials by reusing, repairing, recycling, and refurbishing products at the end of their life cycle.
Aside from developing systems where waste from one process becomes the materials in another, circular economy practices also lead to general improvements of your products. This is driven by the need for durable and recyclable final designs.
7. Product Life Cycle Assessment
The previous trend is difficult to accomplish if you’re not aware of your product’s life cycle. Hence, Life Cycle Assessment or LCA is essential to create sustainable products. This systematic approach evaluates the environmental impacts associated with all stages of your product’s life.
From processing materials to disposal or recycling, LCA can help your manufacturers identify any points of improvement. This may lead to changing materials or redesigning products to make them better and more sustainable.
8. Sustainable Supply Chain Management
Sustainable supply chain management has the potential to expand the scope of sustainability efforts beyond your lines and factory walls. It’s a holistic approach that considers the environmental and social impacts of your entire logistics. From raw material sourcing to final product delivery, this trend ensures that every step of your processes upholds ethical and sustainable practices.
Manufacturers are increasingly using technologies like blockchain to enhance supply chain transparency and traceability. Moreover, companies are working closely with suppliers to improve their sustainability practices. By examining to each stage of their processes, they are able to create a ripple effect of positive change throughout their operations.
STAY RELEVANT AND COMPLIANT WITH MASIS STAFFING
No matter the shifts in the manufacturing industry, Masis is ready to provide personalized solutions to help you keep up. With carefully built networks and years of experience, we are equipped with the expertise you need to succeed.
Connect with your local community and accomplish your environmental responsibilities without sacrificing innovation or excellence. Want to learn how to do so? Reach out to us today!
References
- Feber et al. “Sustainability in Packaging: Inside the Minds of US Consumers.” McKinsey & Company, 21 Oct. 2020, www.mckinsey.com/industries/packaging-and-paper/our-insights/sustainability-in-packaging-inside-the-minds-of-us-consumers.
- Field, Anne. “Americans Want to Buy Green, But They Don’t Trust Companies.” Forbes, 27 Jun. 2022, www.forbes.com/sites/annefield/2022/06/26/americans-want-to-buy-green-but-they-dont-trust-companies/.
- Bhaduri, Sameer. “Shocking Stats! Why 66% of Consumers Will Pay MORE for Your Green Brand.” Medium, 23 Sept. 2023, medium.com/@sameer-aidasinc/shocking-stats-why-66-of-consumers-will-pay-more-for-your-green-brand-b3a274ac1825.
